Sammons Jazz concert series celebrates 25th anniversary

Saxophonist Vicho Vicencio and pianist Arlington Jones will not have to stand hidden in the wings as more than 40 other jazz artists — including Roger Boykin, Rachella Parks-Washington and Donnie Gililland — soak up the fun during Sammons Jazz series’ 25th anniversary season, which begins next month.

Vicencio, the series’ founding artistic director, and Jones, current artistic director, will get their own nights to shine during the four-concert event running monthly September through December.

Vicencio will perform the opening set with his Latin Band when the series kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Sammons Center for the Arts, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. at Oak Lawn Avenue. Jones will close out the series in December.

Each concert will feature an opening set by one of the four Sammons Jazz artistic directors from over the years. A second set each night will feature other artists.

The jazz series has become an anticipated annual ritual since it began showcasing local jazz legends and rising stars in 1989, Jones said, adding that he has fond memories of watching the series develop.

“I’m the youngest of the four directors and was 16 when the series started,” Jones said. “Growing up in Dallas, I looked up to the other three directors who came before me and had them as examples.”

Tickets are $40, and sales begin Aug. 15. Each performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. After Vicencio’s opener, other directors scheduled are Boykin and his trio (Oct. 1); James Gilyard and his ensemble (Nov. 5); and Jones, performing with Dwight Sills and the Brethren (Dec. 3).

Among the dozens of other artists who will perform during second sets are Shelley Carol, James Driscoll, Quamon Fowler, Andrew Griffith, Frank Hailey and his son Michael, Buddy Mohmed, Michael Palma and Simone Rodgers. A first-time joint performance by women in jazz will include Julie Bonk, Andrea Bunton, Peggy Honea,Carolyn Lee Jones, Nina Katrina,Tatiana Mayfield, Rachella Parks-Washington and Heather Paterson.

To learn more, visit sammonsartcenter.org and click on the Sammons Jazz link, or call 214-520-7789.

ABOUT TOWN: A free job fair for students and job seekers — and featuring special information about opportunities in technology — will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A, 650 S. Griffin St. in downtown Dallas. Dallas City Council member Dwaine Caraway will host the event. Corporate and education representatives will offer exhibits about technology; information about financial aid and admissions; and directions for adults seeking technology employment. Texas State Technical College and Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas are among about a half-dozen co-sponsors. To learn more, call 214-670-0781.

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About Norma Adams-Wade

Most unforgettable experience on the job: Interviewing Alex Haley in person a few days after he had finished writing Roots.

Something people don't know about me: That one of my favorite toys as a child was a "bottle doll" -- a doll you make by putting unraveled rope in the top of a soft drink bottle, then put the top back on securely. The child then can comb the rope "hair" into various styles. What fun!

If I had two spare hours, I would: I would go to library, check out a book-on-tape, park my car in a quiet place, and enjoy listening.

The secret of a good news column is: Shine positive light on other people.